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Turkish Orange and Onion Salad

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This Turkish orange and onion salad is a great addition to any summer menu. It’s light, refreshing, and a nice deviation from the usual greens. It also lacks the usual heavy or processed dressings. The simple dressing of olive oil, and herbs doesn’t overshadow the sweetness of the oranges. I love this salad!

a white plate with turkish orange and onion salad with olives and mint leaves

The color contrasts are beautiful.

This is a Turkish salad whose name is Portakal Salatsi. The name Portakal is derived from Portugal. What’s the connection? Well, at one point in time the best oranges came from Portugal. Such was their fame that the Arabs actually changed their name for oranges from naranj to porteghal. Interestingly enough the word for orange in Spanish is naranja, which is derived from an old Sanskrit term naga ranga. I find the similarities in the words fascinating! By the way… my Puerto Rican friend informed me that in Puerto Rico, oranges are called Chinas!

Orange’s origins

Oranges are thought to have originated in Malaysia (SE Asia). They eventually made their way to China around 2200 B.C. They were offered as tribute to the emperor. This early on oranges were admired for their medicinal properties and the aromatic value of their essential oils.

Eventually, oranges made it to Europe via the Silk Road traders. By the end of the second century A.D. they featured at the lavish banquets of the Roman aristocracy. Oranges were taken to the New World by Christopher Columbus who consequently planted the first orange tree in the Americas. The first American plantation of oranges was in St. Augustine, Florida. During the gold rush in California, certain unscrupulous doctors made a hefty profit by selling orange juice to scurvy afflicted prospectors. The dose? A spoonful!

a top dow view of a white plate with turkish orange and onion salad with forks on the top

Needless to say, this Turkish orange and onion salad goes perfect with grilled kebabs or any other grilled meat for that matter. Take it to your next picnic, and your friends will love you. Or, enjoy it as a quick side to a weeknight meal. It’s a great and delicious way to get your vitamin C.

Now, orange you glad I posted this recipe? Sorry, I could not resist!

This recipe was adapted from the book “The Complete Book of Turkish Cooking” by Ghillie Basan

Turkish stye orange and onions salad with thyme, sumac and mint. | ethnicspoon.com
5 from 9 votes
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Orange and Onion Salad

Turkish or Portakal Salatsi orange and onion salad goes perfect with grilled kebabs or any other grilled meat for that matter. Take it to your next picnic, and your friends will love you. This has a nice contrast of flavors of sweet and savory. 

Course Salad
Cuisine Turkish
Keyword fresh ingredients, healthy, low calorie, low fat, sweet and savory
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: Change to adjust-> 6 servings
Calories 108 kcal
Author Analida

Ingredients

  • 3 oranges cut into slices ( sweet naval oranges work nicely)
  • 1 red onion sliced thin
  • 8 Kalamata olives
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt

Dressing:

  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp thyme
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp sumac
  • 6 mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Peel the oranges and remove the surrounding pith.
  2. Slice oranges to a thickness of 1/4" and place on a large serving platter.
  3. Slice onion thinly. Place in a container and sprinkle with salt. Allow them to sit for about 10 minutes.
  4. Place onions on top of the sliced oranges. Scatter the olives on top.
  5. To prepare the dressing: In a small bowl whisk together olive oil,thyme, and oregano
  6. Drizzle over oranges.
  7. Serve with a sprinkling of sumac, and mint garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Orange and Onion Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 108 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 277mg 12%
Potassium 145mg 4%
Total Carbohydrates 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 6g
Vitamin A 4.2%
Vitamin C 44.3%
Calcium 3.6%
Iron 1.1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

Turkish Portakal Salatsi: A salad with orange, onion, thyme, sumac and mint. | ethnicspoon.com
You will love this salad with bright herbs & citrus flavors! Turkish Portakal Salatsi: A salad with orange, onion, thyme, sumac and mint. | ethnicspoon.com #turkishfood #mediterraneansalad #citrussalad

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  6. Wow! Gorgeous photography and a mouth-watering recipe. Thanks for linking up to Blogger Brags. I’ve pinned your post to the Blogger Brags Pinterest board.

    Reply

  7. What a wonderful combination of flavors for a nice summer dish! I’m going to feature this recipe at the new Merry Monday party starting Sunday night. So glad you shared with us at Merry Monday!

    Reply

  11. KC, sumac has a really tangy flavor. It’s what used by the Romans before the Arabs brought citrus to Europe. You can get sumac at http://www.penzeys.com I like to sprinkle a little sumac on my hummus. I also recently had dinner at an Arab restaurant and my tilapia came with a little sumac sprinkled on top.

    Reply

  14. I always love when simple ingredients come together to create something so delicious. This is perfect for hot weather eating. Sounds refreshing and so easy.

    Reply

    • Gloria, this is indeed a unique dish. It is really refreshing. I think you will like it. It’s a perfect accompaniment to anything from the grill. Thank you so much for the 5 star rating.

      Reply

  15. This looks so good and so unique! I love it! I love that this is low in carbs, too! Love the origination story….all that history is so interesting! Thanks for posing such a unique and yummy recipe!

    Reply

  16. Oh my, what a beautiful little salad! So perfect for a summer starter salad. I can’t wait to try this. The sweet orange and the salty olives sound so good together!

    Reply

    • Hi Madi, thanks for the compliment, and for the 5 star rating. I think you would like it. Yes, the combo of colors is lovely as well as the taste. 🙂

      Reply

    • Hi Michelle! Thanks for the 5 star rating. I hope you like this salad.The flavors are so fresh, and I love the colors. I am all about pretty food. 🙂

      Reply

    • Thanks for the 5 star rating Anne. Indeed, the contrast of flavors is amazing, as is the contrast of colors. A feast for the eyes, and palate in my opinion. 🙂

      Reply

    • Kim you are absolutely right, the least amount of ingredients can yield amazing flavors. Thank you for the 5 star rating. I hope you get to try it soon. 🙂

      Reply

    • Hi Amy. I hope you get to try this salad. It is so unique, and refreshing. Let me know how you like it . Thank you so much for the 5 star rating.

      Reply

  25. Ooo this flavor combo looks amazing and it especially because this salad combines some of my favorite things (oranges and onion) in the kitchen, I can already imagine how good it tastes. This one actually had me drooling. I totally intend to try this!

    Reply

    • Hi Femi. Thanks for you comment. I think if you like oranges, and onions, you will love this salad. It is so refreshing. It is one of my favorite side dishes, especially during the warm weather months. By the way, thank you for the 5 star rating.

      Reply

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